Malan posts century as England impress in Townsville

Dawid Malan became England's second centurion in their final warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI as the tourists stepped up preparations for the Ashes.

It was all about rivals Australia on Friday after forgotten man Tim Paine and maligned veteran Shaun Marsh earned shock recalls for the opening two Tests in the battle for the coveted urn, which gets under way in Brisbane next Thursday.

While former players, pundits and fans dissected the surprising selections for the hosts, England went about their business in Townsville, where they were all out for 515 on day three.

After Mark Stoneman posted England's first century of their Australia tour on Thursday, Malan followed in his team-mate's footsteps with an impressive 109 at Tony Ireland Stadium.

A ton for Malan in Townsville with England 5-426. Root dismissed for 83 earlier today.